Three California commuter rail projects get state funds

The California Transportation Commission allocated $108.7 million to three commuter rail projects that will help ease traffic congestion, improve safety and support economic growth.

"From one end of the state to the other, transportation projects are providing jobs and improving roads, bridges and transit for people and businesses in California," said Caltrans Director Malcolm Dougherty.

The allocations include $114 million from Proposition 1B, a transportation bond approved by voters in 2006. In total, $14.7 billion in Proposition 1B funds have been distributed statewide.

The remaining $192 million in allocations came from assorted transportation accounts funded by state and federal dollars.

Bay Area Rapid Transit received $50.4 million for the Warm Springs to Berryessa Extension project; the Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission received $5.4 million for the Santa Cruz Branch Line Improvements project and the Riverside County Transportation Commission received $52.9 million for the Perris Valley Line Commuter Rail Extension project.